A wireless mouse is a must-have when it comes to getting the ultimate set-up for your workspace. Wireless mice have come a long way in recent years, with many of them now enjoying great battery life, excellent connectivity and even wireless charging. Plus, wireless mice are portable, convenient and there are no messy cables to clutter your area - it’s no-brainer.
What type of wireless mouse you choose has a lot to do with what you need it for.
If you’re a gamer, then you’re going to want something fast, responsive and guaranteed not to lose connection. For those looking for a wireless mice for work purposes, it’s essential to look for one with multi-device control. And then there’s the casual browser which maybe wants something that can be hooked up to a laptop or tablet, so choosing one that will work via Bluetooth and not require a dongle is a must.
The features to look out for…
From Logitech to Microsoft, there are many mice to pick from. A key part of your decision will be budget and the machine you’ll be pairing your new purchase with. But here are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing your perfect wireless mouse.
Connectivity: This is a big one because when it comes to wireless mice, you either get one that has Bluetooth, or you can opt for one with a mini dongle that plugs into yuor devic’s USB port and works with a 2.4GHz wireless connection.
There are pros and cons to both styles. The USB dongle option gives a better and more stable connection, but you will have to sacrifice a USB spot. And if you’re using a MacBook or a tablet that doesn’t have a USB port, then these are ruled out completely. However, Bluetooth will connect with your machine straight away, remove the need for any dongles, and be paired with multiple devices.
Battery life: Nothing is more frustrating when you sit down to work and find your mouse won’t respond because the battery has run flat. Many wireless mice have built-in lithium-ion batteries that can be charged via micro USB or USB-C cables. These tend to offer overall better battery life, and you can always pop them on charge regularly to ensure that you never run out of juice. However, some manufacturers still opt for disposable batteries that can run for weeks or months without needing to be replaced.
Some wireless mice now also support wireless charging. Whilst this isn’t really any different to plugging your mouse in via USB it does feel less of a hassle to pop it on a pad at the end of the working day to give it a charging boost.
Changing settings and sensitivity: There is no standard way to use a mouse. Choosing what buttons do what and configure your mouse to your own style is a huge bonus. Some are also loaded with software that will track the battery life, sensitivity, scroll speed and more.
Your mouse’s sensor will make huge difference. It’s what registers the motion to make sure that it is smooth and precise. Some mice on the lower end of the budget scale are optical mice which means they used a combination of an infrared LED light that illuminates the surface allowing it to track movement. However, higher-end mice use laser tracking, which is more sensitive and responsive and can be used on even more surfaces. So if you’re working remotely in a cafe and don’t want to pack your mouse mat, consider a mouse with a laser sensor.
Comfort: This is key. Of course, comfort levels vary depending on hand size, but it is important to consider how you are likely to hold your mouse so you can get an idea if your chosen mouse is too wide or too narrow. Making sure it’s comfortable to use will also help alleviate repetitive strain injury symptoms.
Aesthetics: If you’re going for a certain look in your home office, then you’ll want to choose a mouse that looks as stylish as your space does. Mice used to be dull but as technology has improved, so has the look of the computer mouse. There are now plenty of different designs and styles on the market to choose from in various colours, so it is a device that you can have a little fun with.
We have looked at a wide range of wireless mice on the market and rounded up the best to help you find your new favourite.
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Logitech Pebble M350 Wireless Mouse
Best: overall
The Logitech M350 is sleek, ultra-light and a good all-rounder. One of the stand out features is just how quiet it is; the click mechanism is so quiet you’ll actually be left wondering if you really clicked.
Don’t be fooled into thinking because of its slim design that this isn’t a comfortable mouse to use. It feels very natural in your hand and is slightly raised at the back, so it will reduce the risk of RSI. And because it’s lightweight, is doesn’t require you to grip it tightly; all it needs is a gentle push along the surface.
It has a high precision optical tracking sensor that is highly responsive and works well on all surfaces. This is what makes it a great mouse because it can work wherever you’re working; it’s ideal for throwing in your laptop bag and taking with you when you’re on the move.
Now, another thing that has given this mouse our best overall status is the dual wireless connectivity. It has Bluetooth, but it also comes with a 2.4Ghz USB dongle, so ideal for those who want to use it on multiple devices.
The battery life is also superb. It runs on one AAA battery which can last up to 18 months, of course, this will depend on how often it’s used, but there is a power switch on the base that can be turned off when not in use to preserve battery life. For the money, this wireless mouse is incredible.
Buy now £19.99, Very
Apple Magic Mouse 2 - White
Best for: MAC addicts
If you’re a Mac user, you’ll want to invest in the Apple Magic Mouse 2 for functionality but to keep the aesthetic going. This is a very stylish mouse that has a multi-touch surface, so it works in the same way as a trackpad would but with the bonus of being able to click down. It’s very lightweight and glides around with excellent precision. It has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery which, whilst it is excellent, its charging point is on the base of the mouse, meaning it can’t be used when it’s charging. That said, it will charge quickly, giving you around five hours of battery life from two minutes of charging. It connects via Bluetooth and is stable. The downside is that if you’re not a Mac user, this mouse won’t work with your machine. The upside is that if you’re already involved in the Apple ecosystem, this mouse will work across all your devices, from MacBooks to iPads.
Buy now £79.00, Very
Kensington Pro Fit Left-Handed Ergo Wireless Mouse
Best for: lefties
If you’re left-handed, you’ll know how difficult it is to get used to a new mouse, especially as most are designed for right-handers. However, the Kensington Pro Fit has been designed expressly for left-handers.
It has a 41-degree incline, so it’s more comfortable, especially for prolonged use. This is an excellent mouse for work, gaming or casual use and can be used with macOS, Windows and ChromeOS. You don’t need any drivers, just plug and play making it ideal for switching between multiple devices.
The Kensington Pro Fit has six different buttons which can be used for enhanced navigation. It also benefits from triple DPI settings, which means you can select the sensitivity and precision of your mouse to match the job you’re doing.
It’s powered by two AAA batteries and lasts around 12 months of light use. This mouse is a must-have for any left-hander who wants both comfort and precision.
Buy now £40.99, Amazon
Alienware Wired/Wireless Gaming Mouse Lunar Light AW610M
Best for: gaming
The Alienware gaming mouse lunar light AW610M is the best of both worlds. Primarily it’s a wireless mouse that connects via 2.4GHz, which works perfectly.
However, if you wanted to wire it up, you could use the charging cable to connect it to your computer. This mouse has tracking up to 16,000dpi, which is super sharp and accurate.
The battery life is decent, lasting around 350 hours from a single charge. This mouse also has a brilliant command centre which allows you to configure your mouse to your perfect set-up. With this feature, you can pick one of the five DPI presents, change the RGB lighting and even create and set the macros. This mouse is higher on the right side and has pre-loaded tension on the main clicker for better travel on the button.
Comfort-wise this mouse is a bit of a mixed bag, if you have average-sized hands, you may find it start to get a little uncomfortable after prolonged use. That said, it does have good cushioning on the palm, which also improves stability.
This mouse is ideal for gameplay and for anyone who wants a customisable experience.
Buy now £79.99, Very
Acer Bluetooth / Wireless USB Optical Mouse
Best for: anyone on a budget
This Acer mouse is super basic but works really well. It connects either by Bluetooth or a USB receiver, so ideal for use on multiple devices. It has an optical sensor, working well on any surface. The simple three-button design with a prominent scrolling wheel lets you quickly whizz around sites and menus.
Considering this is a budget offering, this mouse lets you adjust the DPI to get a more accurate and responsive experience. It’s very comfortable to handle with a textured side for better grip.
This is also a mouse that will suit both right and left-handers. If you want something that will do the job and not break the bank, this Acer is for you.
Buy now £15.00, AO
Logitech MX VERTICAL Ergonomic Wireless Mouse - Graphite
Best for: 9 to 5 comfort
If you’re using your mouse for work, comfort and function are key. The Logitech MX vertical ergonomic wireless mouse fits the bill.
Whilst the shape may take a bit of getting used to, it is way more comfortable for your wrist and hands. This mouse has a premium scroll wheel that is flanked by two keys. There are also two buttons for customisable shortcuts. It can connect via Bluetooth or via dongle with RF wireless connection. It has a great battery life lasting around six weeks on a full charge. It also has a rechargeable battery which recharges via a USB-C cable.
This mouse can track up to 4,000 DPI when it comes to precision, so it’s better suited for office tasks than gaming. That said, it still feels very sharp and has great reaction times, plus you have a cursor speed switch on the tip of the mouse so you can adjust the accuracy easily. This mouse has been designed to be easier on the hands so if you’re spending a lot of time at your desk this could be a good choice.
Buy now £109.99, Very
Microsoft Arc Bluetooth Mouse
Best for: aesthetics
The Microsoft arc Bluetooth mouse looks as well as it functions. It’s incredibly slim in design, and when you first take it out of the box, it’s completely flat. So it seems a little strange that the way you turn this mouse on is actually to bend it. This results in the front of the mouse being flat and curving into an arc, making it very comfortable to use. Two AAA batteries operate it, and the battery life is around six months. This mouse is paired via Bluetooth, but the connection is excellent, and it is very responsive and doesn’t experience any lag. It has left and right-click buttons and a touch-sensitive pad which means you can scroll left to right or up and down. It is lightweight compact, and for general browsing and office work, it is a perfect choice.
Buy now £53.04, Amazon
Rapoo MT750S Multi-mode Bluetooth / Wireless USB Optical Mouse
Best for: productivity
The Rapoo MT750S multi-mode Bluetooth mouse has an optical sensor, enjoying smooth, responsive movements. It connects via 2.4GHZ wireless as well as supports Bluetooth 3.0 and 4.0. You can also pair it with up to four devices so you can hop between machines and get your work done.
This mouse has been designed with productivity in mind. It has nine different buttons, including a top and side scroll wheel, to navigate through web pages and documents easily. You can adjust the DPI depending on whether you need more speed or precision. It’s a comfortable mouse to handle as it’s light and easy to move around with a rubbery texture that makes gripping easier. It will work on most surfaces but you’re better off using a mouse pad for this mouse, it certainly won’t work on glass or any reflective surface.
It’s a great buy for anyone who wants to flip between devices or apps and feels comfortable whilst working.
Buy now £35.00, AO
Microsoft Surface Go Mobile Bluetooth Wireless
Best for: portability
The Microsoft Surface Go mobile wireless mouse is super stylish with multiple colour options. It is small because it’s been designed to be portable, but that doesn’t make it uncomfortable to use.
This mouse fits the palm of your hand perfectly, and it’s easy to access the buttons without putting too much pressure on your fingers. This mouse is powered by two AAA batteries and will last up to 12 months with regular use.
If you’re a Microsoft user, you’ll benefit from the Swift Pair technology, which means that as soon as your mouse is switched on, it’ll pair with your device. However, it still works really well with Macs and Chromebook’s the only difference is you’ll have to pair it manually.
It connects via Bluetooth, which we found to be very reliable and although there was occasional lag, it didn’t really impact our usage. There are pretty good settings options with this mouse, such as assigning functions to the left and right buttons and changing the behaviour of the scroll wheel, although you will have to download the app.
Overall, an excellent mouse that has been designed for life on the go.
Buy now £29.99, John Lewis
Kensington Expert Mouse
The Kensington Expert Mouse is a unique design and will take a bit of getting used to if you’re not familiar with trackballs. It has a detachable wrist rest which makes things a lot more comfortable.
It has dual connection via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless via a dongle, and it is very reliable. It has four buttons surrounding the trackball, and these buttons are all customisable so you can assign program functions and adjust scrolling speeds. This is a great wireless mouse for both left and right-handed users.
The battery life is superb, lasting around 12 months, and just two AA batteries power it. This mouse has a distinct look and feel, but you’ll get a lot done once you’re used to it.
Buy now £91.72, Amazon
Verdict
There is no reason to stay shackled to your laptop or PC with such a wide range of wireless mice on the market. We really rate the Logitech Pebble M350 Wireless Mouse because it is sleek, stylish and super simple. It’s ideal for taking with you when you’re on the move, especially as the optical sensor allows it to be used on any surface. This mouse is very comfortable to handle and offers a fast and responsive experience.
We also love the Apple Magic Mouse 2; it may only be for a certain audience, but if you’re in the club it looks great and feels comfortable to use. The touch sensitive surface makes scrolling through documents or social media an absolute breeze. Plus, if you’re an Apple user then you’re going to want to make things easier by using a mouse that has been designed for your device.
